Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death for women worldwide, and early detection is key to improving outcomes. Traditional methods like mammograms and ultrasound have their limitations, particularly for women with dense breast tissue, where mammography is less effective. Ultrasound, while better for dense tissue, is operator-dependent and prone to false positives. Moreover, these techniques can be uncomfortable and painful for patients. To address these issues, researchers have now developed a pain-free imaging system that combines photoacoustic imaging and ultrasound to deliver clearer and more accurate 3D images of breast cancer, thus significantly improving early diagnosis and reducing false positives.

The OneTouch-PAT pain-free breast imaging system, created by researchers from the University at Buffalo (Buffalo, NY, USA), combines photoacoustic imaging, which uses laser pulses to detect blood vessel growth in tumors, with ultrasound imaging, which identifies suspicious lesions. Unlike previous systems, OneTouch-PAT integrates both imaging techniques in a fully automated process, eliminating operator error. The device automatically performs the photoacoustic scan followed by an ultrasound scan, repeating this pattern until the entire breast is covered. The data is then processed using AI algorithms to produce clear, detailed 3D images in just minutes.

In trials with 61 breast cancer patients and 4 healthy individuals, OneTouch-PAT demonstrated superior accuracy in identifying breast cancer subtypes, including Luminal A, Luminal B, and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. The results, published in Nature Communications, showed that the system accurately detected tumor-associated blood vessels and provided detailed vascular patterns associated with each cancer subtype. Researchers now plan further studies to expand its use, refine data extraction methods, and improve the system’s capabilities. The technology holds great promise, especially for women with dense breast tissue, and could be a valuable addition to existing breast cancer screening methods that are often uncomfortable and painful.

“Our system, which is called OneTouch-PAT, combines advanced imaging, automation, and artificial intelligence—all while enhancing patient comfort,” said Jun Xia, PhD, the corresponding author of the study. “More work is needed before it can be used in clinical settings, but we’re excited about OneTouch-PAT’s potential to augment current imaging methods and help fight this terrible disease.”

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